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Bulldogs competing in DYW

By Sara Coates

Bullhorn Reporter

Pictured are the 12 Roxboro Community School seniors competing in the Distinguished Young Women’s Scholarship program this year. They are, back row, from left, Lexi Bowen, Elena Meiggs, Cassidy Whitfield, Anna Scott Lawrence, and Madison Hicks; middle, from left, Madalynn Bailey, Madison Satterfield, Joi Torian, and Mollie Vaughan; front row, from left Jalen Blanks, Jenna Clayton and Emmey Cobb.
Sara Coates Roxboro Community School (RCS) will have 12 of its seniors competing in the Distinguished Young Women’s Scholarship (DYW) program this year.

The program for bettering young women will be held at the Kirby Theater in uptown Roxboro on Saturday, Sept. 23.

Havan Harris was crowned as DYW of Roxboro for 2015, Alycia Parker in 2016 and Catie Mooney in 2017.

According to Satterfield, this year’s theme is “all about outstanding women that have paved their ways in the world.

“Each of the songs that are in our program were created by powerful and influential female singers,” continued Satterfield. “My favorite moment during practice has been belting out each of the songs and dancing around like a goofball.”

Much like Satterfield, Cobb has found that “dancing in the wings at the Kirby and causing [her] fellow contestants to burst into laughter on stage,” has given her the most joy.

Many of the girls said that they decided to participate in DYW after attending the program in the past and falling in love with the idea of having their own chance to gain lifelong friends as well as new skills.

A few girls, including Bowen, said their mothers played a role in persuading them to take part, despite their own doubts.

Clayton added that it is important for people to understand that the “program is much more than what it appears to be on the outside,” going on to say that she would “strongly encourage” other girls to participate because the program “allows you to grow immensely.”

“Everyone cheers for one another and there is always positive energy in the room,” Blanks said.

Agreeing with Blanks, Clayton said that she is “proud of how well [the] group has bonded” since there are so many girls involved.

Blanks then went on to discuss the joy she gets from watching others perform their talents.

She said that being “able to watch everyone do something they are passionate about” is rewarding.

Torian joked that the hardest part for her has been keeping up enough energy for the fitness routine. Specifically “not looking like I’m about to die,” she added.

Meiggs said that she has had a great opportunity to “expand on older friendships,” but is nervous about remembering everything she has been taught for the final performance.

“With all the pressure and nerves, I hope all the routines will be embedded in my brain,” said Meiggs.

Lawrence is hopeful that what she has learned during the mock interviews will prepare her not only for the program, but also for interviews when she applies for jobs in the future.

Each girl mentioned in some way how proud they are of themselves for, as Bowen said, “[having the] courage to keep going, even when things got hard.”

Looking back on both the good and the bad moments that they have shared so far, each girl said she has no regrets.

Satterfield pointed out that “if anything, the past few months have reassured [her] that [she] made the right choice by deciding to participate.

“I am both excited and sad for the final performance,” concluded Satterfield, “I don’t ever want this experience to end.”